May 04, Colombo: Leftist allies of Sri Lanka's governing party have called for the abolition of the executive presidency.

They have called for the return to the Westminster system of governance in order to prevent foreign intervention in the country's affairs.

The parties include the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP), the Communist Party, the United Socialist Alliance and the Democratic Left Front.

LSSP General Secretary, Minister Prof. Tissa Vitharana has told the media that the abolition of the executive presidency could address the issue of the growing international dissent and a call from the West for a regime change in Sri Lanka.

He has said the matter was informed to President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Party Leader's meeting prior to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions in March.